FROM    THE   LIBRARY   OF 

REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY    HIM    TO 

THE    LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


3    SC/S 

Section         /y  BS  / 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/pastoralpsaOOcope 


POEMS 


^ 


pM  OF  PIW^, 
*  JAN  r  7  1933  * 


PASTORAL    AND     PSALM 


BY 


Rev.  Benjamin  Copeland 


NKWYORK:    EATON  &   MAINS 
CINCINNATI:    CURTS  &  JENNINGS 


Copyright  by 

EATON  &  MAINS, 

1896. 


Eaton  &  Mains  Press, 
150  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York. 


POEMS: 

PASTORAL  AND  PSALM. 


THE  FIRST  ROBIN. 

Herald  of  the  happy  year, 
Robin  redbreast,  art  thou  here  ? 
Welcome  to  thy  destined  goal; 
Welcome,  songster  of  the  soul ! 

Age  and  Childhood  find  in  thee 
Kindred  bond  of  sympathy; 
Hope  and  Memory  are  one 
In  thy  song's  sweet  unison. 

Common  freehold  all  hearts  claim 
In  thy  nature's  artless  aim; 
Best  of  priests  and  poets,  thou, 
Singing  on  the  leafless  bough. 

Mead  and  mountain,  wood  and  wold, 
Wait  the  rapture  manifold, 
Which  shall  prove  thee  saint  and  seer, 
Dearest  minstrel  of  the  year! 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Every  note  like  April  rain — 
Thou  transmutest,  in  thy  strain, 
With  the  season's  subtle  power, 
Winter's  dearth  to  summer's  dower. 

Glows  the  mold  with  vernal  fire 
Kindled  by  thy  love's  desire; 
Nature  wakens,  at  thy  call, 
To  her  Easter  festival. 

Mateless  messenger  divine! 
Peerless  privilege  is  thine; 
Thou  interpretest  to  Faith 
The  deep  mystery  of  death. 


THE  MEADOW  AIR  IS  SWEET. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 
The  cowslip's  cup  of  gold 

Is  full  of  fresh  and  fragrant  dew,- 
More  full  than  it  can  hold. 


The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 
The  blackbird's  mellow  note, 

Like  water  in  a  little  brook, 

Flows  gurgling  from  his  throat. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 
The  stream  that  cheers  the  lea 

Will  feel  the  willow's  tender  kis^, 
E'en  to  the  distant  sea. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 
Hark !   from  the  old  elm  tree — 

Ah!  only  lovers  understand 
The  oriole's  ecstasy. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 
The  clover,  handsome — white, 

With  dainty  odors  woos  the  bee, 
And  fills  her  with  delight. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 

The  bobolink  is  there! 
When  he  is  mute  a  faery  flute 

Seems  echoing  in  the  air. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 

The  daisy  in  the  grass 
Looks  up  to  see  the  clouds,  and  feel 

Their  shadow  as  they  pass. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 

The  swallow  flashes  by, 
Too  merry  for  a  moment's  rest 

Between  the  earth  and  sky. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet, — 
The  day  wanes  in  the  west, 

And  twilight's  soothing  shadows  lull 
The  weary  world  to  rest. 


A  CONTRAST. 


In  the  green  silence  of  this  sylvan  shore 
How  servile  seems  the  city's  ceaseless  roar! 
How  vain  the  restless  rivalry  for  pelf! 
How  low  the  aim  that  centers  all  in  self! 

The  penury  of  Pride — the  sordid  care 
Of  souls  despoiled  of  poetry  and  prayer — 
Seems  in  these  happy  shades  to  be 
The  comedy  of  misery. 


THE  GOAL. 


Sweet  scents,  sweet  sounds,  sweet  scenes! 
With  all  that  intervenes 

In  sweeter  solemn  silences  profound, — 
Whereinto  overflows, 
In  forest,  river,  rose, 

Passionless  being,  beauty  without  bound. 


Poems:  Pastoral   and  Psalm.  7 

How  deep  the  mind's  repose! 
The  vagrant  sea  breeze  blows 

With  kindred  pulses  through  the  fragrant 
shade; 
And  sod  and  soul  are  blent 
In  blest  enfranchisement, — 

Prefiguring  the  end  for  all  things  made. 

For  life  and  love,  supreme 
Beyond  Isaiah's  dream, 

Shall  bear  all  being  to  its  blissful  goal; 
The  wondrous  word  is  true : 
"  Lo!  I  make  all  things  new;" — 

The  universe  is  ransomed  with  the  soul. 


UNANSWRED. 

Whither  away,  ye  argosies  of  Heaven, 
In  solemn  state  advancing  from  afar  ? 
What  mission   marshals  you  ?     WThat  chival- 
rous emprise 
Darkens  the  glory  of  the  sapphire  skies  ? 
Say,  was  your  empire's  ancient  quiet  riven 
With   rumor  ominous  of  distant   wrong  and 

war  ? 
Or  speed  ye  forth  with  snowy  sails  unfurled, 
And  radiant  pennons  shimmering  in  the  haze, 


8  Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

To  bring  with  proper  pomp,  to  his  empyreal 

throne, 
Your  monarch  with  his  bride  ? — he  loveth  her 

alone, — 
Dear  daughter  of  the  Sun,  the  peerless  virgin 

world, 
Long  cloistered  in  his  bosom's  brightest  rays. 

No  answer  but  a  deeper  shadow  cast, — 
And  lo!  the  splendid  mystery  has  passed. 


EASTER  ANTICIPATED. 

Hark!  'tis  the  Robin,  poet-priest, 
Absolves  rude  Winter's  wrong: 

The  heart  of  Nature  is  released, 
And  soareth  out  in  song. 


UNDER  THE  MOON. 


Beautiful  Luna,  bride  of  the  night! 
Sweet  is  the  sheen  of  thy  soft  silver  light; 
On  castle  and  cottage  in  splendor  it  streams, 
Blessing  the  earth  with  its  bountiful  beams. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.  9 

Thou  cheerest  the  vigils  of  shepherd  and  seer; 
To  sailor  and  lover  alike  thou  art  dear; 
Forever  and  ever  thy  kingdom  shall  be : — 
The  heart  owns  thy  sway  like  the  tides  of  the 
sea. 


HEART'S-EASE. 
The  day  will  not  give  place  to  night, — 
The  darkness  pierces  like  the  light; 
My  care  prolongs  the  noontide  glare, 
And  makes  a  desert  everywhere. 
O!   what  will  ease  a  burning  brain, 
And  the  weariness  that  is  worse  than  pain? 

Think  of  twilight  and  the  dew, — 
The  stars  serenely  shining  through 
The  tranquil  depths  of  peaceful  blue; 
Muse  on  the  moon's  majestic  grace; 
How  worshipful  her  radiant  face 

In  midnight's  solemn  loneliness! 
Nature  is  silent  unto  God — 
His  comforts  are  exceeding  broad. 

Receive  the  word  his  works  declare: 
"The  peace  of  God  is  everywhere." 
Too  weak  for  praise,  too  faint  for  prayer, 
The  benediction  of  the  air 


io        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Be  thine  whose  lot  it  is  to  share 

Life's  ceaseless,  slow-corroding  care. 

Be  still,  and  breathe  the  balm  divine, 

Arcturus'  joy,  Orion's  wine  ; 

So  shalt  thou  know  the  blessed  law 

Whence  stars  their  strength  and  beauty 

draw, 
Inheriting  their  influence 
In  quietness  and  confidence, 
And  ever,  cheerfully  as  they, 
Press  onward  in  thy  heavenward  way. 


THE  REWARD. 


From  green  to  gold 
The  year  grows  old, 

With  beautiful  increase; 
The  seasons  wane 
To  ripened  grain 

And  Nature's  deepest  peace. 

The  same  sure  plan 
Is  thine,  O  man! 

Alike  for  sod  and  soul, 
The  law  of  love — 
Enthroned  above — 

That  guides  thee  to  thy  goal. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Have  faith  in  God; — 
Who  gives  the  clod 

Its  meed  of  fruit  or  flower. 
Shall  crown  thy  cares, 
Thy  tears,  thy  prayers, 

With  an  immortal  dower. 


STRUGGLE  AND  REST. 
My  life  was  overcast  with  care, 
And  doubt  pursued  me  everywhere; 
Still  farther  into  gloom  unknown 
I  wandered  desolately  lone, 
Till,  in  the  depths  of  self-despair, 
The  darkness  deepened  into  prayer; 
And  lo!  when  hope  was  almost  gone, 
The  midnight  brightened  into  dawn. 

Around  my  heart  was  drawn  the  coil 
Of  cheerless,  unrelenting  toil; 
Nor  any  respite  could  I  find, 
Nor  any  comfort  for  the  mind, 
When  His  dear  cross  appeared  to  me, 
Whose  service  is  true  liberty; — 
The  thought  of  Jesus  brought  me  rest, 
And  meekness  made  my  burden  blest. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

COMPENSATION. 

Deep  calleth  unto  deep; — the  heart 
That  dwelleth  from  the  world  apart 

Is  sometimes  doubly  sad  ; 
But  lo!  the  light  that  overflows! 
The  desert  blossoms  like  the  rose, — 

The  wilderness  is  glad ! 

The  faith  serene,  the  lofty  cheer, 
The  love  triumphant  over  fear, — 

A  paradise  below! 
Such  is  the  treasure  each  may  find, 
(The  rapture  of  a  quiet  mind,) 

And  such,  in  part,  bestow. 


BETRAYED. 

Deceived,  defloured,  despoiled! 

O  drooping  lily,  late  with  light  aglow! 
Around  thy  root  is  coiled 

The  hidden  horror  of  a  nameless  woe. 

Deceived,  defiled,  despoiled! 

Is  there  no  healing  for  a  broken  heart? 
O  God!  hadst  thou  but  foiled 

The  fatal  spell  of  the  betrayer's  art. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         13 

Deceived,  despised,  despoiled! 

The  blight   has  fallen    on    thy   peerless 
bloom; 
To  bless  thy  brida!  eager  ages  toiled; — 
A  moment's  glamour  leaves  thee  endless 
gloom. 


MIDNIGHT  AND  MORNING. 

Under  her  heart  her  sorrow, 
Under  her  heart  her  shame, — 

And  darker  than  death  the  morrow 
With  the  brand  of  the  whole  world's 
blame. 

Under  her  heart  her  glory, — 
O  rapture  that  knows  no  alloy! 

Blest  Mary!  thy  travail's  sweet  story 
Shall  waken  the  whole  world's  joy. 


OTHER  SHEEP. 


Pagan,  Papist,  Protestant! 

What  is  that  to  thee  or  me  ? 
Make  not  Heaven's  mercy  scant 

With  thy  pampered  bigotry. 


14        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Who  made  thee  the  judge  to  be 
Of  thy  brother's  destiny  ? 
Deem  not  that  thy  shibboleth 
Holds  the  keys  of  life  and  death. 

Ah,  that  secret,  sullen  sign! 
Call  it  not  decree  divine; 
For  a  letter,  more,  or  less, 
Measures  not  God's  tenderness. 

''Other  sheep  I  have,"  said  One 
Who  was  more  than  Mary's  son; 
Eyes  as  blind  as  thine  shall  see 
His  amazing  charity. 

When  it  claims  the  judgment  throne. 
What  is  creed  but  craft  and  cant? 

God  will  surely  know  his  own — 
Pagan,  Papist,  Protestant. 


NIAGARA. 


Majestic  symbol  of  eternal  power! 

Dread  oracle  of  eons  all  unknown! 
Before    thy    presence    Pomp     and     Passion 
cower, — 

All  men  are  equal  at  thy  awful  throne. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         15 

Abashed,  the  eager  babble  of  the  mart, 
To  silence  shamed,  the  vulgar  greed  for  gain ; 

Xo  more  ambition  goads  the  weary  heart, 
And  Toil  forgets  its  unrequited  pain. 

Stern  type  of  Truth's  inexorable  law! 

No  room  remains  for  envy  or  for  pride ; 
Here  prince  and  pauper  stand  in  common  awe, 

Swayed  by  the  spell  of  thy  resistless  tide. 

A  rushing,  seething  Sinai, — thou  dost  pour 
On  sluggish  consciences  the  solemn  sense 

Of  justice  infinite:  thy  thunder's  roar 

Declares  to  Wrong  relentless  recompense. 

Against    our    arrogance    thy    strength    doth 
plead; 

Deep  unto  deep  imperiously  calls; 
Impartial  annalist!  the  nations  read 

Their  transient  glory  on  thy  ageless  walls. 

Yet  dost  thou   deign  to  dower  the  moment's 
need, — 
Our  dreams  exceeding  by   thy   bounteous 
sway ; 
With    power  unrivaled  thy  proud  flood  shall 
speed 
The  New  World's  progress  toward  Time's 
perfect  day. 


1 6        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

O  mighty  monitor!  O  seer  sublime! 

The  soul's  surpassing  grandeur  thou  dost 
show ; 
The  fountains  of  thy  immemorial  prime 

Through  man's  immortal  being  freely  flow. 


LET  IN  THE  LIGHT! 

Let  in  the  light! 
The  sky  is  bright, 

The  air  is  flowing  free; 
The  mountains  glow, 
The  vale,  below, 

Is  holding  jubilee. 

Let  in  the  light! — 
Sad  oversight 

To  miss  so  sweet  a  morn; 
The  vision  flies, 
Awake!  arise! 

Each  dawn  is  life  reborn. 

Let  in  the  light! 
O!  read  aright 

The  day's  Apocalypse ; 
Its  hours  enfold 
The  age  of  gold, 

And  all  thy  dreams  eclipse. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         17 

Let  in  the  light! 
Twill  soon  be  night; 

Prize  every  moment  given; 
With  all  thy  might 
Serve  thou  the  right, 

And  leave  the  rest  to  Heaven. 


THE  LAW  OF  LOVE. 

O,  the  sky  is  blue  above  me, 
And  the  earth  beneath  is  green, 

And  softly  bright  the  flowing  light 
Floods  the  boundless  space  between. 

But  what  if  the  day  should  darken, 
And  d lath's  dread  shadows  fall? 

I  need  not  fear;  with  heaven  so  near, 
Why  should  the  night  appall? 

Tis  but  the  peaceful  portal 
Unto  a  morn  immortal; 

For  the   light   that  once  gladdened  the  gar- 
den's deep  gloom 
At  last  shall  transfigure  all  blight  into  bloom. 

For  over  and  under  the  soul's  sore  strife 

Is  the  blessed  law  of  an  endless  life; 

From  the  sod  to  the  stars,  and  the  stars  to 

the  sod, 
Sways  the  everlasting  love  of  God. 


18        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

A  PROPHECY. 

O  happy,  happy,  happy  boy! 
Let  me  tell  you  all  your  joy; 
Let  me  whisper  in  your  ear 
All  the  secret  of  the  seer. 
Let  me  tell  your  fortune  fair 
To  the  wide  and  wandering  air; 
Let  me  share  my  rapture  rare 
With  the  social,  songful  air, — 
With  the  gentle,  genial  air, 
Kind  to  laughter  and  to  prayer. 

Wrhatsoe'er  the  world  may  say, 
You  shall  have  the  right  of  way: 
You  shall  laugh,  and  you  shall  play, 
And,  in  merry  roundelay, 
Dance  with  jolly  faun  and  fay; 
You  shall  have  the  wealth  of  May 
For  your  dowry  every  day. 

Nature,  from  her  frailest  spar 
To  her  oldest,  utmost  star, 
All  her  miracles  shall  bring 
For  your  blissful  wondering; — 
You  shall  be  her  priest  and  king. 
Knowing  what  was  never  known, 
Reaping  what  was  never  sown, 
You  shall  feel  the  world  your  own, 


Poem-:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         19 

On  your  universal  throne. 
And,  in  holy  place  apart, 
(Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart!) 
In  a  halo  of  delight, 
Jubilant  with  glorious  might, 
You  shall  walk  with  God  in  white. 

This  is  all  was  shown  to  me 

Of  the  child's  futurity; 

What  the  youth  and  man  will  be — 

Sealed  is  in  mystery. 

Scarcely  can  his  angel  see, 

Face  to  face  with  Deity, 

Farther  into  certainty. 

God  exceed  tJic  prophecy  ! 

God  be  better  to  the  boy 

Than  the  parent's  dream  of  joy. 


LITTLE  RUTH. 

I  cannot  feel  that  she  is  gone 

So  far,  so  far  away; 
Her  little  heart  close  to  my  own 

Is  beating  day  by  day. 

Ah!  tender  are  these  human  ties; 

May  heaven  at  last  reveal 
Why  on  her  eyes  a  slumber  lies 

E'en  tears  cannot  unseal. 


20        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

A  look  this  darkness  would  displace 

With  a  divine  delight; 
The  soul's  rare  grace  in  her  fair  face. 

It  was  a  blessed  sight! 

Her  hair  a  happy  halo  wore 
That  lit  the  hearth  and  hall; 

Alas!  no  more  my  study  door 
Heeds  her  confiding  call. 

Dear  lips!  where  mirth  and  music  wrote 

The  lore  in  Eden  sung; 
Seemed  every  note  from  her  sweet  throat 

By  elf  or  angel  strung. 

The  robin,  hark!  is  here  again, 
To  woo  the  wondrous  child; 

But  all  in  vain  his  ardent  strain, — 
Death  may  not  be  beguiled. 

Sleep,  Baby,  sleep;  we  will  not  weep, 
Nor  moan  or  murmur  make; 

But  O!  how  deep  the  dreamless  sleep! 
Would  God  she  migh:  awake. 

Asleep?  awake!  the  Shepherd  takes 

His  little  lamb  above; 
And  where  she  wakes  the  morning  breaks 

In  everlasting  love. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

But  I  cannot  feel  that  she  is  gone 

So  far,  so  far  away; 
For  her  little  heart  close  to  my  own 

Keeps  beating  day  by  day. 


WHERE  THERE  IS  NO  MORE  PAIN. 

The  sharpest  pang,  the  tenderest  tear, 

Not  yet  are  known  to  thee, 
Unless  thy  heart  has  learned  how  dear 

A  little  grave  can  be. 

A  little  grave — but  O,  how  wide 

The  room  it  left  for  grief! 
A  grief  which,  like  the  ebbing  tide, 

Returns  without  relief. 

Dear  child!  by  death  made  doubly  dear, 

God  grant  it  may  not  be 
That  thou  in  heaven  should'st  ever  hear 

How  much  we  mourn  for  thee. 

One  after  one  the  seasons  wane, — 

Our  loss,  it  grows  not  less; 
Time's  balm  is  vain  to  heal  the  pain 

Of  such  a  loneliness. 


22        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

O  little  grave,  that  darkened  so 

The  path  by  Sorrow  trod, 
Sometimes  the  sunset's  golden  glow 

Rests  on  thy  daisied  sod; — 

And  then  we  feel  that  God  is  good, 

And  we  take  heart  again, 
Assured  'twill  all  be  understood 

Where  there  is  no  more  pain. 

Where  there  is  no  more  pain — 'tis  there, 

Tis  there  we  long  to  be; 
O  Thou,  who  didst  our  sorrows  bear, 

Bring  us  to  dwell  with  thee! 

Where  there  is  no  more  pain — how  blest 
Love's  kingdom,  fadeless,  fair! 

That  blissful  rest  naught  shall  molest, — 
Death  cannot  enter  there. 


AMONG  THE  LILIES. 

Among  the  lilies  she  lies  asleep, 

Our  Easter  lily,  so  fair  and  sweet, — 

A  flower  too  fair  and  frail  to  keep 

Where  love  with  sorrow  and  pain  must  meet. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         23 

Among  the  lilies  in  Paradise 

(O  sweeter  than  Eden,  God's  garden  above !) 
Stands  a  little  child, — and  the  same  dear  eyes 

Look  up  into  ours  with  immortal  love. 

Among  the  lilies!   Lord,  grant  that  we 
With  the  pure  in  heart  thy  face  may  see, 
And  find  with  our  loved  and  our  lost  a  home 
Where  pain  and  sorrow  can  never  come. 


FORGOTTEN? 


By  ties  as  tender  as  our  tears 
Our  hearts  still  hold  to  thee; — 

Dear  child!  death  cannot  blight  the  years 
Of  immortality. 


"IN  THE  BEGINNING,  GOD." 


In    Him  we    live,  and    move,  and  have 
our  being/' 


OUR  FATHER. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.        27 
ADORATION. 

Sole  Source  of  being,  blessed  God! 

Of  love  the  Fountain  and  the  Sea, 
Thy  glorious  name  alone  we  laud, — 

Our  springs,  O  Lord,  are  all  in  thee. 

In  all  our  paths  thy  truth  we  trace, — 
Thy  goodness,  infinite,  unknown; 

Our  everlasting  dwelling  place, 
In  thee  we  live,  in  thee  alone. 

To  children's  children  still  endure 

Thy  ceaseless  care,  thy  changeless  love; 

Thy  covenanted  mercies,  sure, 
Shall  never,  nevermore  remove. 

O  happiness  without  alloy! 

We  soon  with  all  thy  saints  shall  come, 
With  songs  and  everlasting  joy, 

To  Zion,  our  eternal  home. 

O  holy,  holy,  holy  Lord! 

To  thee  be  endless  glory  given; 
O  be  thy  name  by  all  adored, 

For  evermore,  in  earth  and  heaven. 


28        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

CONFIDING  IN  GOD. 

From  thy  commandments,  Lord, 
O  let  me  never  stray; 

According  to  thy  word 
Do  thou  direct  my  way. 

Be  every  moment  near, — 
Alone  I  dare  not  go, — 

And  with  thy  presence  cheer 
My  pilgrimage  below. 

Forever  in  thy  sight, 
No  harm  can  happen  me; 

The  darkness  and  the  light 
Are  both  alike  to  thee. 

E'en  death  shall  serve  thy  will, — 
Controlled  by  thy  command; 

No  change  can  work  me  ill, — 
"  My  times  are  in  thy  hand. " 

In  this  I  sweetly  rest, — 
Instructed  from  above, — 

Whatever  is,  is  best; 
For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  love. 


Poems:   Pastorai    and  Psalm.         29 

PROVIDENCE. 

O  God,  our  shield !  our  strong  defense, 

Sure  staff  of  souls  distress'd, 
Beneath  thy  watchful  providence, 

Thy  saints  securely  rest. 

No  want  have  they  who  seek  thy  face; 

No  good  wilt  thou  withhold 
From  them  that  walk  in  righteousness, 

The  flock  of  thine  own  fold. 

From  strength  to  strength  thy  servants  go, 

Delighting  in. thy  will; 
Triumphant  over  every  foe, 

They  stand  on  Zion's  hill. 

Forever  blessed  be  thy  name, — 

And  let  the  whole  earth  be 
The  temple  of  thy  glorious  fame, 

And  thy  salvation  see. 


ANNIVERSARY  PRAISE. 

O  sovereign  Love,  eternal  Power! 
Whose  grace  hath  brought  us  to  this  hour, 
Thy  covenanted  mercies,  sure, 
To  children's  children  still  endure. 


30        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Our  fathers'  God !  to  thee  we  raise 
In  cheerful  song  our  grateful  praise, — 
And  laud  and  magnify  and  bless 
Thy  everlasting  faithfulness. 

For  blessings  on  our  infant  days, 
For  guidance  through  life's  later  maze, 
For  present  good,  for  hope  of  heaven, 
To  thee  be  endless  glory  given. 

Our  children,  Lord,  with  pious  care, 
We  consecrate  to  thee  in  prayer; 
O,  be  thou  tender  to  our  tears, — 
O,  be  thou  better  than  our  fears. 

In  all  our  pilgrimage  below, 
O,  may  thy  presence  with  us  go; 
And  grant  us  grace  henceforth  to  be 
In  sweetest  fellowship  with  thee. 

For  service,  or  for  suffering,  Lord, 
In  thee  we  seek  our  sole  reward, — 
Content,  in  life  and  death,  to  prove 
The  comforts  of  redeeming  love. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         ;^i 
OUT  OF  THE  DEPTHS. 

Almighty  Sovereign  of  the  sea, 
Make  known  thy  matchless  majesty; 
Rebuke  the  raging  of  the  deep, 
And  bid  its  surging  billows  sleep. 

Great  God,  regard  thy  servants'  prayer, 
And  grant  us,  still,  thy  gracious  care; 
Spare  us,  O  Lord;  our  lives  prolong, 
And  turn  our  sorrow  into  song. 

Out  of  the  depths  we  cry  to  thee; 
O,  let  us  thy  salvation  see ! 
Thy  tender  pity  may  we  prove, — 
Thy  changeless,  everlasting  love. 

Through  gloom  and  tempest  guide  our  way; 
The  sea  is  thine — it  owns  thy  sway; 
The  winds  and  waves  obey  thy  will, 
Hushed  when  they  hear  thy  "Peace,  be  still :  ' 

On  thee  alone  our  hope  is  stayed; 
O,  be  thou  our  unfailing  aid, 
Till,  in  the  haven  of  thy  breast, 
We  share  thy  saints'  eternal  rest. 


32        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 
THE  SANCTUARY. 

How  amiable  thy  courts! 

Thy  temple,  Lord,  how  fair! 
How  pleasant,  still,  to  lowly  hearts, 

Thy  tabernacles  are. 

Thither  the  tribes  go  up, — 

Thy  chosen  Israel, — 
With  voice  of  saintly  jubilee 

Thy  faithfulness  to  tell. 

How  excellent  they  stand, 

The  gates  of  praise  and  prayer! 

Would  God  my  weary,  fainting  soul 
Might  dwell  forever  there. 

Before  the  mercy  seat 

We  find  our  faith's  reward: 

A  heart  made  holy  to  behold 
The  beauty  of  the  Lord. 

Thy  ceaseless  love,  O  Christ, 
Our  pilgrimage  shall  cheer, 

Till,  crowned  with  everlasting  joy, 
In  glory  we  appear. 


POEMS:   Pastoral  and  Psalm.         $3 

"IN  QUIET  RESTING  PLACES." 

More  rest  we  want,  O  God! 

More  rest  from  self  and  sin, 
More  silence  for  serener  thought, 

The  soul's  true  goal  to  win. 

Without,  the  strife  of  tongues, 

Within,  a  wayward  will; — 
O  Jesus,  Saviour!  speak,  and  say, 

"Peace,  troubled  heart,  be  still." 

In  quiet  confidence 

We  then  shall  sweetly  rest, 
And  in  thy  gentleness,  O  Lord, 

For  evermore  be  blest. 


THE  SEASONS  ARE  THY  SERVANTS. 

The  seasons  are  thy  servants,  Lord! 

Obedient  to  thy  will, 
Thy  everlasting  covenant 

They  faithfully  fulfill. 

The  seasons  are  thy  servants,  Lord! 

Summer  and  winter  bring 

Rich  blessings  from  thy  gracious  hand, 

The  bounty  of  the  King. 
3 


34        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

The  seasons  are  thy  servants,  Lord! 

Why  should  thy  children  fear  ? 
With  loving-kindness  manifold 

Thou  crownest  every  year. 

The  seasons  are  thy  servants,  Lord! 

The  sunshine  and  the  rain; 
The  seedtime  and  the  harvest  blend 

In  our  eternal  gain. 

The  seasons  are  thy  servants,  Lord ! 

Thy  changeless  love  we  laud, 
And  magnify,  with  grateful  joy, 

The  goodness  of  our  God. 


ASPIRATION  AND  REST. 

O  God,  of  love  the  Fountain  and  the  Seat 
My  fainting  soul  pants  ceaselessly  for  thee; 
Earth's     bitter     streams     no     comfort     can 

supply,— 
For  thee,  for  thee,  the  living  God,  1  sigh. 

No  more  below  my  wayward  wishes  roam, — 
My  heart,  at  last,  is  conscious  of  its  home ; 
My  portion  thou,  my  refuge  and  my  rest; — 
O  gracious  Saviour,  take  me  to  thy  breast. 


Poems:   Pastorai    and   PSALlf.         35 

But  O,  my  brothers!  comfortless  as  I, — 
Alike  we  languish,  and  alike  we  die; 
Be  merciful,  O  God,  and  hear  the  prayer 
Of  every  fainting  spirit  everywhere. 

In  the  dear  shelter  of  thy  tranquil  breast, 
O  Love  divine,  a  weary  world  would  rest; 
The  whole  creation  travaileth  for  thee, 
O  God,  of  love  the  Fountain  and  the  Sea! 


THE  LARGER  LIFE. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God! 

More  rapidly  they  pass 
Than  clouds  whose  transient  tale  is  told 

In  shadows  on  the  grass. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God! 

But  they  are  full  of  thee, — 
A  drop  of  being  in  thy  life's 

Unfathomable  sea. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

O,  let  me  clearly  see 
How  they  grow  strong  and  beautiful 

In  thy  immensity. 


6        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God! 

The  sum  of  them  is  small; 
But  each  may  serve  thy  blessed  will, 

And  thou  shalt  have  them  all. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

But,  safe  on  sea  or  land, 
I  confidently  journey  on, — 

My  times  are  in  thy  hand. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

On  earth,  but  not  in  heaven; — 
To  thee,  eternal  Life  and  Love, 

Be  endless  praises  given. 


CHRIST   IN  SONG. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         39 

CHRISTMAS. 

O  holy,   happy  morning, 

That  saw  the  Saviour's  birth! 
The  star,  thy  brow  adorning, 

Beams  mercy  on  the  earth. 
For  shepherds,  and  for  sages, 

Thy  cheer,  impartial,  free, — 
The  travail  of  the  ages 

Finds  recompense  in  thee. 

My  soul,  be  thou  believing, — 

No  more  thy  past  deplore; 
In  Christ  all  loss  retrieving, 

Rejoice  for  evermore. 
By  love  unknown  attended, 

Thy  weary  watch  and  ward, — 
Behold!  the  vision  splendid! 

The  angel  of  the  Lord! 

And  hark!  the  herald  angel! 

The  radiant,  rapturous  throng! 
The  ravishing  evangel 

Floods  all  the  hills  with  song: 
4<  To  God  in  heaven,  glory, 

Good  will  to  men  below;  " 
Speed,  speed  the  blessed  story, 

That  all  the  world  may  know. 


40        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Repeat  it  softly,  slowly, 

For  still,  in  hut  and  hall, 
Are  lonely  hearts,  and  lowly, 

That  hunger  for  it  all. 
Again — again  the  story! 

Till  sin  and  sorrow  cease — 
"To  God,  the  Father,  glory, 

And  to  his  children,  peace." 


GOLD,  AND  FRANKINCENSE,  AND  MYRRH. 
Faithful,  followed  they  the  star 
Faintly  glimmering  afar, 
Till  it  rested  o'er  the  way, 
Where  the  Lord  of  glory  lay. 

Gold,  and  frankincense,  and  myrrh, 
Gave  each  regal  worshiper, 
Seeing,  in  the  Babe  divine, 
Answer  of  the  heavenly  sign. 

Lo!  again  the  star  appears, 

Shining  through  our  griefs  and  fears, — 

Dayspring  of  the  desolate — 

Heaven  stoops  down  to  our  estate ! 

By  the  path  the  wise  men  trod, 
Seek  we,  too,  th'  incarnate  God; 
Blessed  goal,  where  ends  all  strife: 
Christ,  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life. 


Poems:   Pastoral  and  Psalm.        41 

Kneeling  where  the  Magi  knelt, 
Feeling  what  the  Magi  felt, — 
Of  all  nations  the  Desire, 
Lord,  to  thee  our  souls  aspire. 

Hasten,  heart  of  mine,  to  bring 

From  thy  store  fit  offering; 

Be  a  royal  worshiper: 

GoIJ,  and  frankincense,  and  myrrh: 


GOOD  FRIDAY. 

O  outcast  Christ,  rejected  King! 

0  Man  of  sorrows,  slain  for  me, 
Accept  a  sinner's  offering — 

A  thankful  heart  that  clings  to  thee. 

The  purple  robe,  the  taunt,  the  sneer, 

The    crown    of   thorns,    the    scourge,    the 
cross! 
Remembering  these,  O  Saviour  dear, 

1  gladly  reckon  all  things  loss. 

Could  grief  of  mine  make  meet  redress 
For  those  dark  hours  of  deepest  woe, 

O  Lamb  of  God !  O  Prince  of  Peace ! 
My  tears  for  evermore  should  flow. 


42         Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

On  thee,  the  sinless  One,  was  laid 
The  guilt  of  all  mankind,  and  mine; 

Thy  grace  the  ransom  doubly  paid 
In  human  agony  divine. 

O  Son  of  Mary!  Son  of  God! 

Thou  King  of  saints,  enthroned  above, 
Thy  glorious  name  the  world  shall  laud, 

And  crown  thy  cross  with  wreaths  of  love 


THE  RESURRECTION. 

Relentless  as  the  council  is  the  cross; 
The  Nazarene  is  bruised  and  torn; — 
Mourn!  ye  despised  disciples,  mourn! 

Priest,  scribe,  and  elder  triumph  in  your  loss. 

The  watch  is  set, — the  sepulcher  is  sure; 
Death  and  the  grave  and  Rome  unite — 
Triumvirate  of  matchless  might — 

To  make  Sin's  vaunted  victory  secure. 

Secure  ?    With  sudden  awe  the  aged  earth 

Feels  hi?n  alive  withi7i  the  tomb; 

And  lo!  emerging  from  the  gloom, 
The  brightest  morning  since  creation's  birth ! 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         43 

The  nations  see  the  Dayspring  from  on  high, 
And  greet  the  mighty  miracle 
With  songs  that  shake  the  gates  of  hell. 

And  animate  the  anthems  of  the  skv. 


EASTER-TIDE. 
Easter  bells  are  ringing, 

Easter  anthems  rise, 
Age  and  Childhood  singing 

Strains  that  seek  the  skies: 
Seek  their  source,  ascending 

Where,  in  rapture  sweet, 
Song  and  service  blending, 

Saint  and  seraph  meet. 

"Christ,  the  Lord,  is  risen!  " 

Wondering  angels  cry; 
11  Broken,  Death's  dread  prison! 

Sons  of  men  reply. 
Blessed  song  and  story! 

Doubt  and  fear  depart, — 
Resurrection  glory 

Floods  the  faithful  heart. 

Purest,  purest  pleasure 

In  each  bosom  wells; 
Happy,  happy  measure — 

How  the  choral  swells! 


44         Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

By  that  song  supplanted, 

Wrath  and  wrong  shall  cease; 

From  this  hour  undaunted 
Reigns  the  Prince  of  Peace. 

Easter  lilies,  blowing, 

Breathe  his  praise  abroad,— 
All  their  grace  bestowing 

On  the  Son  of  God. 
Lo!  his  brow  adorning, 

Kings  their  homage  pay; 
Hark!  the  stars  of  morning 

Hail  his  boundless  sway. 


THE  SURE  FOUNDATION. 

A  strong  and  sure  foundation 

Is  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord, — 
Before  the  world's  creation 

The  everlasting  Word! 
His  power,  supreme,  unbounded, 

He  pledges  to  his  own; 
On  him  their  hope  is  grounded 

Securely  as  God's  throne. 

What  though  the  tempest  rages? 

No  harm  his  cause  sustains; 
Built  on  the  Rock  of  Ages, 

Unmoved  the  Church  remains. 


Poems:   Pastoral   and   Psalm.  45 

His  word  shall  stand  forever, — 

Nor  shall  one  letter  fail: 
"  The  gates  of  hell  shall  never 

Against  my  Church  prevail." 

From  God  all  grace  receiving, 

The  saints,  below,  above, 
In  Christ  their  King  believing, 

Shall  triumph  through  his  Iovj. 
0  happy,  happy  Zion ! 

The  Lamb,  for  sinners  slain, 
Is  Judah's  mighty  Lion, 

Who  shall  forever  reign! 

The  Rock  of  our  salvation, — 

To  thee,  O  Christ,  we  raise, 
In  grateful  adoration, 

The  voice  of  prayer  and  praise; 
Our  common  faith  confessing, 

Thy  cross  the  world  shall  crow  1 
With  glory,  honor,  blessing, 

And  infinite  renown. 


LIGHT  OF  LIGHT. 

Of  transient  symbol  the  eternal  Truth, 

In  thee,0  Christ,  the  soul's  sure  light  we  find; 

Vision  and  dream  of  Age  and  eager  Youth, 
Thou  pourest  heaven  on  every  humble  mind. 


46        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

ALL  IN  ALL. 

O  Lily,  Rose,  and  Fountain ! 
O  Dayspring  from  above ! 

O  Sun,  and  Sea,  and  Mountain- 
Immeasurable  Love! 

Sweet  Jesus,  Shepherd,  Saviour, 
May  we  thy  glory  see, 

And  share  thy  joy  forever, 
Incarnate  Deity! 


A  MISSIONARY  LYRIC. 

Lamb  of  the  riven  side, — 

Lord  of  lords  glorified! 
Victim  and  Victor,  thee  we  adore; 

Shepherd  of  Israel, 

Saviour  from  death  and  hell, 
Mighty  Immanuel!  reign  evermore. 

Lion  of  Judah, 

From  Brahm  and  from  Buddha 
Seize  for  thy  glory  the  sea  and  the  land; 

Where  age-long  error  thralls, 

Where  blackest  night  appalls, 
There,  with  her  radiant  walls,  let  Zion  stand. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         47 

The  gates  of  the  morning, 

Thy  temple  adorning, 
Shall  beacon  the  uttermost  isles  of  the  sea; 

And  nations,  now  unknown, 

Shall  bow  before  thy  throne, 
And  thee   their  Sovereign  own,  with  saintly 
jubilee. 

Orient  and  Occident, 

Hail  Him  the  Father  sent! 
Greet  him  with  shoutings  and  joyfully  sing; 

On  love's  blest  mission  bent, 

Through  Death's  wide  realm  he  went 
Conq'ror  omnipotent;  crown  him  your  King! 

Martyr  with  gory  brow, 

Monarch  in  glory,  now, 
Victim  and  Victor,  thee  we  adore; 

Shepherd  of  Israel, 

Saviour  from  death  and  hell, 
Mighty  Immanuel!  reign  evermore. 


IN  THE  MORNING,  JESUS. 

In  the  morning,  Jesus, 
Let  me  see  thy  face, 

Altogether  lovely, 

Full  of  truth  and  grace. 


48        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

In  the  morning,  Jesus, 
Let  me  hear  thy  voice; 

Speak,  and  let  thy  servant 
All  the  day  rejoice. 


In  the  morning,  Jesus, 

Manifest  thy  love, — 
Peace,  and  power,  and  blessing, 

Bringing  from  above. 

In  the  morning,  Jesus, 
Show  thy  cross  to  me; 

Then,  dear  Lord,  I'll  suffer 
Cheerfully  for  thee. 

Every  morning,  Jesus, 
Every  evening,  bless; 

Shelter  me  forever 

With  thy  righteousness. 


In  the  morning,  Jesus, 
When  thy  saints  shall  rise, 

Bring  me,  with  the  blessed, 
Into  Paradise. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         49 

PENITENTIAL. 

A  1  thy  cross,  O  Christ,  to  thee 
Low  I  bow  the  suppliant  knee; 
Cast,  O,  cast  me  not  away, — 
Help  a  fainting  soul  to  pray. 

Sinful,  sorrowful,  I  wait 
For  a  look  compassionate; 
Surely  thou  wilt  pity  one 
So  forsaken  and  undone. 

Tell  me,  Jesus,  if  it  be 
That  thy  blood  was  shed  for  me ; 
In  thy  wounds,  O,  let  me  see 
Pardon,  peace,  and  purity! 

From  the  uttermost  degree 
Of  a  sinner's  misery, 
Mighty  Victor,  rescue  me; 
Set  my  captive  spirit  free. 

O  that  I  might  have  a  place 
In  the  kingdom  of  thy  grace! 
There  the  penitent  are  blest, — 
There  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

Saviour,  may  I  call  thee  mine? 
Yes, — for  thou  dost  own  me  thine; 
Lo,  'tis  written  in  my  heart — 
Mine,  forever  mine,  thou  art. 


50        Poems:   Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Unto  thee  be  glory  given 
Evermore  in  earth  and  heaven; 
Be  thy  name  by  all  adored, 
Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord! 


"FAINT,  YET  PURSUING." 

Breathe  on  us  thy  benediction, 

Lord  of  glory,  Prince  of  Peace: 
Comfort  us  in  our  affliction, 

Bid  our  fears  and  doubtings  cease. 
Shepherd  of  our  souls  and  Saviour, 

Who,  alone,  the  wine  press  trod, 
Well  thou  knowest  the  world's  behavior, 

Man  of  sorrows,  Lamb  of  God ! 

Therefore,  in  their  tribulation, 

Turn  thy  weary  saints  to  thee, 
Seeking,  in  thy  sure  salvation, 

Peace  and  power  and  victory. 
Strangers  here,  and  pilgrims  lowly, 

Eagerly  we  follow  thee, 
Longing  to  be  with  the  holy 

Who  in  heaven  thy  glory  see. 

Often  faint,  yet  still  pursuing, 
All  thy  footsteps  would  we  trace, 

Day  by  day  our  hope  renewing, 
Till  we  see  thee  face  to  face. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and   Psalm.         51 

There,  thy  glorious  throne  surrounding,- 

Evcry  pain  and  peril  past, — 
We  will  sing  thy  grace  abounding, 

More  than  conquerors  at  last. 


SALUS  PER  CHRISTUM. 
Come,  thou  Desire  of  nations,  come, 

And  make  thy  promised  kingdom  sure; 
Establish  in  our  hearts  the  throne 

Which  shall  eternally  endure. 

In  poverty  and  pain  we  wait 

Thy  glorious  coming  from  above; 

Make  haste,  O  Christ,  compassionate, 
Make  haste,  make  haste,  Immortal  Love! 

Come,  in  thy  plenitude  of  grace, 
And  satisfy  thy  people's  need; 

Come,  in  the  greatness  of  thy  strength, 
And  make  us,  Jesus,  free  indeed. 

Grant  us  thy  peace,  dear  Son  of  God; — 
To  us  the  Holy  Ghost  be  given; 

In  thee  the  Father's  fullness  dwells, — 
All,  all  is  thine,  in  earth  and  heaven. 

Infinite  power  belongs  to  thee, — 

Thou  hast  the  keys  of  death  and  hell; 

Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done, 
Our  Lord,  our  God, — Immanucl! 


52         Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

SUPPLICATION. 

Jesus,  King  of  kings,  most  holy, 
Pity  us  in  station  lowly, — 
Lonely  pilgrims,  wending  slowly 

Toward  the  city  where  thou  dwellest. 

Thou  dost  see  us,  weak  and  weary, 
In  the  wilderness  so  dreary, 
Mourning  that  we  are  not  near  thee, 
In  thy  home  so  fair  and  blissful. 

Yet  thy  promises  do  cheer  us; 
And  thy  Spirit,  ever  near  us, 
Bids  us  pray,  for  thou  wilt  hear  us, 
And  afford  us  help  and  comfort. 

Hear  thou,  now,  our  supplication, 
And  relieve  our  sore  privation 
With  the  strength  of  thy  salvation, 
King  eternal  and  almighty! 

Mercifully  guard  and  guide  us, 
Lest  the  curse  of  sin  betide  us, 
And  an  entrance  be  denied  us 
To  thy  glorious  palace  golden. 

Once  for  sinners  bruised  and  wounded, 
Xow  by  heavenly  hosts  surrounded — 
All  thine  enemies  confounded — 
Be  thou  evermore  our  Saviour. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         53 
IN  THY  LIKENESS. 

Ox  my  heart  engrave  thy  cross. 
Blessed  Saviour,  Love  divine! 

Evermore,  in  gain  or  loss, 
Let  me  bear  that  sacred  sign. 

In  my  heart  thy  love  enthrone; 

More  and  more  thy  rule  increase: 
Thine  the  kingdom,  thine  alone, 

Lord  of  glory,  Prince  of  Peace ! 

To  my  heart — no  longer  mine — 
Grant  the  fullness  of  thy  grace; 

Living,  dying,  own  me  thine, 
Till  I  see  thee  face  to  face. 

With  thy  likeness  crowned  at  last, 

O,  what  rapture  it  will  be, 
When  the  night  of  death  is  past, 

Evermore  to  dwell  with  thee. 


THE  LIGHT  OF  LIFE. 


O  Jesus,  sole,  sufficient  source 

Of  hope  that  heals  the  sad  heart's  strife, 
Direct  us  on  our  darkened  course, 

Thyself  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life. 


54        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

Thou  knowest  the  way  we  take,  O  Lord ! 

Didst  thou  not  prove  its  painful  length? 
Help  of  the  helpless,  still  afford 

Thy  pitying  love,  thy  tender  strength. 

In  every  trial,  every  care, 

Thy  patient  footsteps  may  we  see; 
The  sorrows  of  thy  cross  to  share 

Shall  then  our  joy  and  glory  be. 

Secure  in  thy  unchanging  love, 
No  toil,  no  suffering  will  we  flee, 

Assured  that  death  itself  shall  prove 

The  path  that  leads  to  heaven  and  thee. 


CHRISTUS  CONSOLATOR. 

In  the  day  of  tribulation, 
In  the  hour  of  sore  temptation, 
With  the  strength  of  thy  salvation, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me. 

When  no  more  the  heart  may  borrow 
Hope  and  courage  from  the  morrow, - 
In  the  darkest  depths  of  sorrow, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me. 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         55 

When  all  aid  is  unavailing, 
Flesh  and  heart  together  failing, 
Sin  and  death  the  soul  assailing, — 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me. 

On  thy  word  alone  relying, — 
Never  thy  dear  name  denying, — 
O,  forsake  me  not  when  dying! 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me. 

Crowned,  at  last,  in  light  supernal, 
Victor  over  foes  infernal, — 
With  thy  love,  supreme,  eternal, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me. 


HOLY  SPIRIT,  HEAVENLY  GUEST! 

Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  Guest, 
Make  thy  home  within  my  breast; 
Yearns  for  thee  my  weary  heart, — 
Come,  and  nevermore  depart. 

Where  thou  dwellest  peace  abides, — 
Grace  surpassing  all  besides, — 
Priceless  treasure,  pure  and  blest, 
Earnest  of  eternal  rest. 


56        Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

God's  dear  will  be  done  in  me 
Even  as  it  pleaseth  thee; 
Only  let  me  fully  prove 
The  sweet  comfort  of  thy  love. 

Cheerfully,  for  Jesus'  sake, 
May  I  every  burden  take, — 
Glad  to  trace  the  pathway  trod 
By  the  suffering  Son  of  God. 

Blessed  Comforter  and  Guide, 
Keep  me  near  the  Saviour's  side, 
Till  I  in  his  likeness  rise, 
Crowned  with  bliss  beyond  the  skies. 


HOLY  SPIRIT,  LIGHT  DIVINE! 
Holy  Spirit,  Light  divine! 
On  our  souls  in  mercy  shine; 
Gates  of  heaven  again  unfold; — 
Haste,  for  Time  is  waxing  old. 

On  the  Church  of  Jesus  shower 
All  thy  plenitude  of  power; 
Heal  earth's  bitterness  and  strife 
With  the  Saviour's  love  and  life. 

Over  all  created  things 
Brooded,  once,  thy  blessed  wings; 
Groans  the  world  with  grief  and  pain 
Dove  divine!  descend  asrain. 


Poems:   Pastoral    \m>  Psalm.        57 

"THE  DAY  OF  CHRIST." 

The  Son  of  man  will  come, — 

His  promise  cannot  fail; 
The  royal  Conqueror 
Shall  over  all  prevail; 
And  Earth   shall  hear  his  summons  drea.l. 
And  Death  and  Hell  give  up  their  dead. 

Ten  thousand  thousand  saints 
His  coming  shall  attend, — 
And  underneath  his  feet 
The  firmament  shall  rend; 
And,  prostrate  at  his  judgment  throne, 
The  world  his  sovereignty  shall  own. 

O  Son  of  Mary!  hear 

A  helpless  sinner's  prayer, 
And,  on  that  awful  day, 

Make  me  thy  gracious  care; 
O,  be  my  heart's  sure  hope  and  stay 
When  the  wide  heavens  shall  flee  away. 

Keep  faithful  watch,  my  soul, 

And  pray  "  Thy  kingdom  come;  " 
But  leave  it  all  to  Him, 

How  he  shall  bring  thee  home; 
The  resurrection  of  the  just 
Shall  recompense  thy  patient  trust. 


58         Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

THE  CONSUMMATION. 

O  Saviour,  whose  surpassing  grace 
Exceeds  the  guilt  thy  griefs  atoned, 

The  praises  of  a  ransomed  race 

Be  thine,  in  highest  heaven  enthroned. 

The  Father's  everlasting  love 

Thy  blessed  life  and  death  declare; 

And  still,  though  crowned  with  bliss  above, 
Our  deepest  sorrows  thou  dost  share. 

O  Jesus,  merciful  and  kind, 

The  sad  and  sinful  seek  thy  breast; 

Our  souls  in  thee  their  solace  find, — 
Our  refuge  thou,  our  only  rest. 

The  goal  is  sure,  O  Guide  divine! 

Again  the  stars  of  morning  sing; 
All  wills,  all  worlds,  at  last  are  thine, 

O  Christ,  Creator,  Saviour,  King! 


ALL  SAINTS. 


Ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand,— 
Their  shining  ranks  I  see  ! 

With  robes  of  light  resplendent, 
And  palms  of  victory! 


Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm.         59 

The  crowns  they  wear  are  golden, 
And  gemmed  with  jewels  rare, — 

Fair  guerdon  of  the  glory 

They  with  their  Saviour  share. 

Their  home — the  holy  city, 

Within  whose  ageless  walls 
No  shade  of  sin,  or  sickness, 

Or  sorrow,  ever  falls; 
For  He  is  ever  with  them, 

The  Lamb,  their  life,  their  light, — 
The  joy  of  all  the  ransomed, 

The  saints'  supreme  delight. 

Dear  vision  of  the  blessed — 

How  homelike  heaven  seems! 
Sweet  foretaste  of  the  rapture 

Kxceeding  all  our  dreams. 
0  Jesus,  Shepherd,  Saviour, 

My  guide  and  guardian  be, 
And  bring  me,  through  thy  favor, 

To  dwell  with  them  and  thee. 


OUR  LIFE  IS  LENT. 
Our  life  is  Lent: 
Our  years  are  spent 

In  penance  for  the  past; 


60         Poems:   Pastoral    and   Psalm. 

Our  songs  are  sighs, 
Our  brightest  skies 

AVith  clouds  are  overcast. 

Our  life  is  Lent: 
The  old  lament — 

**  All,  all  is  vanity;  " 
And  Youth,  in  tears, 
Awaits  with  fears 

The  morrow's  mystery. 

Our  life  is  Lent: 
Lord,  we  repent 

Each  folly,  fault,  and  fall; 
Our  best  resolve 
Do  thou  absolve, — 

Forgive,  forget  it  all. 

Our  life  is  Lent: 
Our  hearts  are  rent, 

As  we  thy  gifts  recount, 
And  mark  again, 
AVith  bitter  pain, 

11  The  pattern  in  the  mount." 

Our  life  is  Lent: 
Our  strength  is  spent; 
O  holy  Judge,  and  just, 


Poems:   Pastoral  and  Psalm.         6i 

Receive  our  prayer, — 
Poor  sinners  spare; 

Remember  we  are  dust! 

Our  life  is  Lent: 
But  Jesus  went 

This  way;   in   him  confide; 
'Twill  soon  be  past; 
Then,  for  thy  fast. 

Eternal  Easter-tide: 


IT  DOTH  NOT  YET  APPEAR. 

"  1]  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be;  " 
The  goal,  the    crown,   but   dimly   we  dis- 
cern,— 

For  evermore  from  sin  and  sorrow  free, 
In  that  blest  world  for  which  we  often  yearn. 

44  It  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be;  " 
Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  was  it  ever  told — 

The  height  of  honor  we  shall  share  with  Thee, 
Enthroned  in  light  and  rapture  manifold. 

11  It  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be," — 
Redeemed  from  death  and  glorified  above; 

Enough,  dear  Lord,  that  we  shall  be  like  thee, 
In  that  eternal  life  of  cloudless  love. 


62         Poems:  Pastoral  and  Psalm. 

THE  RAINBOW  ROUND  THE  THRONE. 

The   sunshine  and   the  shadow — alternately 

they   flow 
Across  the  fields  of  ether,  across  our  hearts 

below; 
The    gloom    and    glory    blending   in    beauty 

manifold, 
The   mists   of   morning  ending   in  evening's 

gates  of  gold. 

1-  orever  and  forever  our  human  lives  are  so — 
The  sunshine  and  the  shadow,  alternate  weal 

and  woe; 
Perpetually  ascending,  earth's  mingled  mirth 

and  moan, — 
But  lo!   above  us  bending,  the  rainbow  round 

the  throne ! 

Hold  fast  the  heavenly  vision;   this  hope  thy 

soul  sustain — 
All  things  shall  work  together  for  thy  eternal 

gain; 
The  mystery  of  sorrow,  the  mystery  of  pain, 
Shall    sure,    some    happy   morrow,    to    every 

heart  be  plain. 


